We have a few main pieces of equipment that members have worked on and documented over on our Github. Please check it out for the latest but we’ve included some key links here too.
All our equipment is for non-commercial use, if you are unsure, please contact us to discuss your situation.
This is not an exhaustive list, we have additional general workshop tools and equipment that we haven’t needed to document – if you’re looking to use something in particular please come check out the space or ask an existing member through our social channels.
Our “Big Laser” is our primary laser cutter (pictured – blue and white), our wiki has large body of knowledge on laser cutting and also includes documentation for our old laser (“Black Laser”) which has been decommissioned and the original “Blue Laser” mentioned is no longer with us!
Our Laser Cutter Knowledge Base is the best resource for information on our laser cutter and getting started and has been brilliantly maintained. There is a QR code on the cutter you can use to navigate directly if you need to on the night.
Here is a quick link to the step-by-step Laser Cutter Tutorial.
The Big Laser is connected to its own controlling PC running LightBurn software. We recommend bringing your design along on a USB in DXF format, but there are other formats supported too. We also maintain an approved materials list, along a list of forbidden materials which are dangerous to laser cut and therefore not allowed. There are laser-cutting-safe materials available for purchase from the space – again, check out the Laser Cutter Knowledge Base for the latest!
Please note that our laser cutter (and all our equipment) is not for commercial production use. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to discuss your situation.
Our CNC Router, affectionately known as “Bessie” is another ongoing project with her own Knowledge Base. Bessie is a little less first-timer-friendly than the laser cutter. There is a much steeper learning curve and more frequent problems, but with care members have been able to get good results from Bessie. Materials she can handle include soft plastics, soft wood and foam – she’s not to be confused with a mill as she cannot handle steel, for example.
We have a fleet of different 3D Printers available for members’ use and yet again they have their own Wiki. Please note that we are currently searching for a ‘3D Printer Champion’ to bring the printers up to the level of reliability we have with the laser cutter. If you’re looking to print at the space we recommend asking in Discord for the current status of the printers to prevent disappointment. We have a wide variety of filaments available. We do ask that members remain in the space for duration of their print (in case anything goes wrong) which means sorry – no overnight prints.
Soldering Station
Our soldering station is well-equipped for all things electronics. Soldering irons (including fume extractors, lighting, magnifying glasses, helping hands, etc.), oscilloscopes, function generators, power supplies, multimeters, pliers/wire cutters/wire strippers, test/tag tester, PCB etching supplies and a reflow station can all be found in this section. We also have some components available for use by members. We have some kits available for purchase to get started with soldering too.
Lathe
We have a small Sheridan lathe suitable for plastics and metals.
General Tools
We also have a wide variety of power tools and non-power tools available, a non-complete list includes:
- Handheld Router
- Drop Saw
- Circular Saw
- Cordless Drill
- Cordless Hammer Drill
- Mini Table Saw
- Angle Grinder
- Bench Grinder
- Belt Sander
- Drill Press
- Band Saw
- Scroll Saw
- Heat Gun
- Glue Guns
- Shop Vac
- Air Compressor
- Welder
- Air Brush + Compressor
- Heat Plate